Welcome to Alsup Elementary School! I'm Deidre Magee, the site professor at Alsup. I help provide instruction and guidance to UC Denver students who are in the Teacher Education program internship at Alsup. Students interning at this school are in for a treat! It's a dynamic learning environment that is so collaborative.

Alsup is a blue ribbon IB World School, which means that the philosophy of learning focuses on students as inquirers. All teaching and learning is focused on inquiry-based learning. For every lesson taught, students are asked to consider the following essential questions:"How does this apply to my life?" and "What does this mean for society?"

Principal Lynn Heintzman is a very strong leader who is passionate about helping her students. She's a recipient of the Wright Award from the Colorado Principal's Center. Ms. Heintzman motivates students, parents and teachers to always do their best. She is an instructional leader who takes time to teach students, too. And, she has developed an incentive program, as part of the school's Positive Behavior and Instructional Support system, to encourage students to do their best. She congratulates students whose test scores have improved by awarding them with a free book from her office.

When you step inside the school, you will be impressed by the school's academic climate. Alsup has a safe and caring environment for students. And, the school's accountability report indicates that students are consistently making academic improvements. The school's motto helps students "SOAR to excellence." SOAR stands for safety, opportunity, achievement and respect.

A highlight during your internship experience at Alsup will be the fantastic Math and Literacy nights. Teacher candidates and clinical teachers plan some really fun learning activities to share with students and parents.

The biggest challenge at the school is lack of classroom space. The school's numbers are growing. Teachers and support staff need to utilize every available space. The Adams County School District has supported this space need by building additional classrooms for kindergarten students. If you have the honor of going through Teacher Education training at Alsup, I think that you'll reflect fondly on the experience, knowing that you have experienced a professional learning community at its best.